I felt light as air. Somewhere deep inside I also felt a knowing so strong that I couldn’t quite describe it. Still, I only shrugged and said, “Maybe.”
Just then a soft breeze came sweetly up the drive, lifting that halo of soft curls around Aiden’s forehead, and in a magical instant, I saw a series of other numbers dance across his skin. They appeared in the space between us as if they were as much for me as they were for him. Behind each new date was a glimmer of insight. There were dates for movies and dances and graduations and marriage and children and anniversaries and so much more.
And in that enchanted moment, as I watched the dates skipping lightly across Aiden’s forehead, instead of death, all I saw was…
Life.
THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW book always feels like a new mountain to climb, but in many ways this novel was my Everest. And yet, I wouldn’t trade any moment of the climb, because it has truly provided some spectacular views.
These days, however, I will freely admit to preferring to hang out at base camp and enjoy the hot cocoa, and it’s while I’m slurping away some chocolatey goodness, all cozy in my writer’s tent, that I can now reflect on the many people who’ve provided no small measure of support, effort, and encouragement on the way to the summit.
First, I want to thank Jim McCarthy, whose short title is: “Victoria’s agent,” but who really is: “Victoria’s muse/confidant/supporter/counselor/conscience/financial advisor/life coach/ally/conspirator/humorous sidekick/treasured friend.” This book would never have been written if it weren’t for Jim’s unflinching belief in me, and his unwavering support. And also maaaaaaaaybe a weeeeeeeee bit of his patience, which, thank God, he is in no short supply of. Thank you, Jim. Always and all ways.
Next I’d like to thank my fantabulous editor, Lisa Yoskowitz, who wrote the most beautiful love letter to Jim and I when she was looking to acquire the book, listing all the ways Maddie’s story moved her and why she’d be the perfect fit to edit When. She had me completely sold three lines in, and she’s since proven herself to be one of the most dedicated, hard-working, insightful editors I’ve ever had the sincere pleasure to work with. Definitely the perfect editor for the job! I’m so thrilled and pleased to have you in my corner, Lisa. Thank you for all that effort and dedication and especially for your diehard enthusiasm! You’ve been my Sherpa and I’m so oodley grateful for all that you do, and of course, to be a part of the amazing Hyperion team!
I’d also like to thank the cover artist Tyler Nevins for his incredible vision. I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect cover, Tyler. You took my breath away when I saw the direction you were headed in, and without a doubt this is one of my all-time favorite covers of any book I’ve ever written. I’m smitten, I tell you! SMITTEN!
To my copyeditor Lindsay Walter; regarding your skills as a copy editor I would like to express a sentiment that can only be summed up thusly: WOWSA! You absolutely blew me away with your attention to detail and eagle eyes. I’ve never had such a fabulous or more thorough copyedit, and I am incredibly grateful for how careful and detailed you were with my work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And an additional Hyperian-Team shout-out to Julie Moody, whose patience and attention to detail proved to be a godsend in the final stages of editing When.
Last, but certainly not least, I’d like to thank all those friends and family members who’ve inspired, encouraged, supported, and believed in me. Specifically, they are: Brian Gorzynski, Sandy Upham, Steve McGrory, Matt & Mike Morrill, Katie Coppedge, Leanne Tierney, Karen Ditmars, Sandra Harding-Hull, Hilary Laurie, Nicole Gray, Shannon Anderson, Nora, Bob, and Mike Brosseau, Catherine Ong Kane, Jennifer Melkonian, Anne Kimbol, Sally Woods, John Kwiatkowski, Matt McDougal, Dean James, McKenna Jordan, Drue Ehrhardt Rowean, Juliet Blackwell, Sophie Littlefiled, Nicole Peeler, Thomas Robinson, Meg Guzman, I.J. Schecter, Laurie Proulx, Terry Gilman, Maryelizabeth Hart, Suzanne Parsons, and Betty & Pippa Stocking.
There are days when the only thing holding me up is your love and friendship, and for that I’m eternally grateful.
VICTORIA LAURIE is a New York Times best-selling adult mystery author and a former professional psychic intuitive. Both careers have served her beautifully in crafting her young adult debut, When. She lives and writes in Michigan.
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